Key UK Immigration Rule Changes 5 March 2026 Update

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules was announced on Thursday 5 March 2026.

Most of the new rule changes have limited impact on UK employers, with the most relevant being:

• Long‑term settlement English language changes.
• Indication that the Home Office will be looking at how and when salaries are paid for skilled workers with varied hours and payment cycles, aligning with the HMRC data sharing increased compliance.
• Global Business Mobility (Secondment Worker) – reduction in qualifying overseas period.

Below is a full, organised breakdown of the changes:

1. English Language Requirement for Settlement

Settlement language requirement increasing from B1 to B2.

Applies to:

• Skilled Worker
• Global Talent
• Scale‑Up
• Innovator Founder
• UK Ancestry
• International Sportsperson
• Long Residence
• Family routes

Effective date: 26 March 2027 (delayed allowing preparation for applicants)

2. Skilled Worker Salary Requirements

Workers must be paid at least once per month, or according to the payment schedule stated in their contract.

Pay per period requirement:

• Each pay period’s salary must meet or exceed the going rate for all hours worked in that period.
• Minimum salary across longer periods:

If paid monthly or less frequently:

• Total pay over any 3-month period must be at least one quarter of the required annual salary.

If paid more frequently than monthly:

• Total pay over any 12‑week period must be at least 12/52 of the required annual salary.
• Required salary must be met in each pay period, not only annually.

Irregular working patterns (uneven weekly hours):

• Sponsor must confirm the worker’s working pattern.
• Total pay over any 17‑week period must be at least 17/52 of the required annual salary.

If pay appears too low during irregular periods:

• When reduced pay is caused by specific allowable deductions taken over a shorter time than the employment period, the sponsor must provide confirmation of this.

Exceptions remain for permitted variations (e.g., unpaid leave rules).

3. Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker

Employer‑relevant change:

Overseas employment requirement reduced from 12 months to 6 months.

4. Hong Kong BN(O) Route Expansion

Adult children of BN(O) status holders who were under 18 on 1 July 1997 are now eligible.

5. Global Talent Changes

Simplified criteria for fast‑track endorsed appointments in academia and research.

New design pathway added, expanding availability to additional design occupations.

6. Refugee & Protection‑based Routes

For new asylum claims from 2 March 2026, leave reduced from 5 years → 30 months.

Those granted 5 years before 1 March 2026 remain eligible for settlement after 5 years under Appendix Settlement Protection.

7. Asylum Seekers – Right to Work

After 12 months, asylum seekers can now access RQF6-level roles, aligning with the Skilled Worker route.

8. Criminality Provisions

Mandatory visa refusal now applies to anyone receiving a suspended sentence ≥ 12 months.

Individuals with a suspended sentence of at least 12 months are also liable for deportation.

9. Visa Requirements Updated

Nicaragua and St Lucia nationals now need a visa to visit the UK.

10. Visa Brake Introduced

Temporary 18‑month restrictions on:

1. Student visas: Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, Sudan.
2. Skilled Worker visas: Afghan nationals (but only for entry clearance, those with permission to stay already granted can renew their visa).

Author 

Ali Husein, Immigration Intern